Greg Newsome Press Conference a Surprise for the Right Reasons
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Aside from the gossip angle, any desire corner Greg Newsome II has to be traded isn't important so long as he embraces the idea that being the best player and teammate for the Cleveland Browns is his best path forward to maximizing his earning power. Tuesday, that's the side of Newsome we saw in his press conference to open up the team's offseason program.
There have been multiple reports that Newsome wants to be traded, the most recent of which suggested that his previous agent was fired for not being able to get it done. Since any potential desire to be moved is rooted in an effort to ensure he can maximize his next contract, that's a motivation that dovetails with what the Browns want to achieve.
It's playing out the same way it did when tight end David Njoku asked to be traded by the Browns in 2019. The Browns said no and Njoku handled it professionally, worked hard and made himself better, eventually receiving the contract he wanted. In Cleveland. That's a blueprint Newsome can follow.
In his presser, Newsome said all of the right things, going even further than was expected, including a surprising openness to playing inside.
Is this revisionist history? His social media postings might argue it is, but no one should care if Newsome is genuine in what he's saying now. Even if Newsome still expresses concerns with that role, he makes it clear he's not afraid to compete and cover receivers in the slot.
If the Browns believe it, it takes some pressure off of them in the upcoming draft. They should still draft a corner because the class is absolutely loaded. But where they might have been focused on adding a pure slot corner, the team might feel empowered to add someone that has inside-outside versatility that may need to develop in that role as opposed to step in and play right away. That's significant.
Newsome was asked about his posts on social media and while he maintained his gripe about that role, he mostly pivoted to new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
“I think that was last year’s issue. Now, with a new defensive coordinator (Jim Schwartz), just being able to sit down, talk to him, see a new scheme and things like that. I feel like last year, I was more of a linebacker in certain instances than an actual cornerback. Talking to Jim Schwartz and being able to get in his new scheme, I feel like we will work very well together.”
This is similar to Njoku's situation. When the Browns signed Austin Hooper and Njoku found himself as the second tight end in the offense, he was understandably concerned. After discussing the issue with the organization, Njoku felt better about what he could achieve with the Browns. It sounds like Newsome's conversations with the front office and particularly Schwartz were productive.
Newsome isn't stupid. He understands that it doesn't help him get what he wants by making a spectacle of himself and there are at least two years left on his current deal. Even if he's not a distraction to the team, the perception that he is among fans and media could hurt him, something that clearly matters to him. However he truly feels, he's putting his best foot forward publicly. That's a positive step.
In outlining why he wasn't thrilled with playing the slot last year, Newsome mentioned how he felt like a linebacker at times. With Joe Woods at defensive coordinator, he was used as an overhang defender in certain situations. That's often how Mile Hilton of the Cincinnati Bengals is deployed. Hilton, a purer slot is wired to attack downhill and make plays in the backfield, which isn't something Newsome has ever really done. Newsome's game to cover receivers but isn't as enthusiastic about the potential combat that comes with the run.
That's the challenge of defending the slot in a nutshell. In one game, the slot can be tasked with chasing a small, twitchy receiver all over the field. The next, that could be a tight end looking to overpower him. Some teams, including the Browns have the ability to create that issue on back to back plays. Likewise, slot players could be tasked with evading a block from a pulling linemen.
While Newsome didn't provide specifics in terms of what Schwartz has outlined, the fact he wants to play more man coverage likely helps alleviate concerns on two fronts. First, Newsome excels in man coverage and it's the easiest way for him to play inside like he did on the outside, save for the lack of the sideline as a defender.
The other benefit of man is it simplifies his responsibility. Using Boyd as an example, Newsome can follow him around on the field, potentially switching to another receiver if he were to line up outside. Matchups could dictate this like when the Browns faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Martin Emerson Jr. spent a large amount of the game shadowing Mike Evans wherever he went including inside.
The fact the Browns want to use a wider defensive front would also help. Schwartz is going to utilize his wide-9 ends in his front. In other words, short of a flexed tight end, no one is going to be further outside than one of the Browns edge defenders, which would provide some protection for Newsome.
The Browns could also divide the slot position into parts. Woods did this as well, but the results in 2022 were mixed. Being able to utilize a safety against bigger personnel packages or teams more geared towards the run would eliminate some of the combat Newsome would face.
Maybe the Browns feel D'Anthony Bell could do that, but that player may simply not be on the roster yet. It could come in the draft.
“Yeah. I’m super excited. His track record speaks for itself. Just the way he uses his defensive line is going to help us corners so much more. Just getting to talk to him, seeing how the scheme is going to be ran. I am super excited.”
Even as Newsome is concerned with his earning power, he has to be at least curious about what he could do in Schwartz's defense. It plays to his strengths and the defensive line should be better. Coaching helps, but he can see the improvement with Dalvin Tomlinson and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. They need to continue adding to the front, but if that group plays better, it will benefit the linebackers, taking pressure off of the safeties, all of which will make his job easier. And winning would help in pursuing Newsome's individual goals.
Greg Newsome wants to be the best player he can be and reap the financial rewards that come with it. The Cleveland Browns also want Newsome to be the best player he can be and will pay him accordingly. So long as remains the situation, any trade consideration is irrelevant.
